Liberal intolerance divides America: Letters, May 3, 2018

Liberal intolerance divides America

Leonard Pitts' recent column bemoaned that our nation was a "house divided." He, of course, blames this on Donald Trump and his followers, stating that he refused to watch a TV comedy he previously enjoyed because one of the main characters was a Trump supporter. He further denigrates Shania Twain for saying she would have voted for Trump but for not being an American citizen.

Mr. Pitts, we are indeed a nation divided. If you wish to know why, it is because of people like yourself: intolerant, hateful people who cannot fathom that there are people who can honestly and for good reasons disagree with you on some issues.

As William Buckley observed, "Though liberals do a great deal of talking about hearing other points of view, it sometimes shocks them to hear there are other points of view."

Larry Viles, Knoxville

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Punish unscrupulous employers

Because of the ICE raid at a East Tennessee slaughterhouse, state Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, drafted legislation to create harsher legal and financial punishments for employers who exploit illegal immigrants.

I wholeheartedly agree with making employers more responsible. If the legislatures on the federal and state levels were serious about curtailing illegal immigrants, a wall isn't necessary. Just fine the employer who knowingly hires them. If the employer continues, harsher penalties should be handed out, including jail time.

Once the employers learn that punishment will be swift and harsh, they will think twice. Once there is no work, the number of illegal immigrants will drop dramatically.

I admire these good people. They are hard workers and take the lowest jobs to provide for their families. They should not be exploited by unscrupulous employers.

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Police need more cultural training

“Protect and serve” is a motto that has become widely associated with the role of police officers around the United States. These men and women are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of others. If this is true of police officers, why does their presence invoke fear and anxiety in individuals and communities all around America?

Almost daily citizens are subjected to violent and disturbing images of police officers utilizing unjust measures to subdue an individual. I have seen videos of elderly women, men and children who were beaten or roughly handled by police officers for “resisting arrest,” or failing to comply with orders. Let’s not forget the hundreds of black men and women over the years who have died at the hands of police officers quoting the ever cliche phrase of “I feared for my life.” These officers who are licensed to carry weapons are supposed to be trained to safely de-escalate tense situations without the use of excessive force.

Why is this happening here in America, and what is the solution?

Like many things, the answer could rest in education. Police officers simply need more training on cultural humility as well as counseling to address any personal biases before they are given a badge and gun and sent out into the world to protect and serve.